What is the priority nursing management for a patient with aortic dissection?
What is the priority nursing management for a patient with aortic dissection?
Immediate patient transfer to the intensive care unit (ICU) is a high priority. Nursing interventions should begin as soon as aortic dissection is suspected, and typically include the following: Institute intubation or mechanical ventilation, as ordered, if the patient is hemodynamically unstable.
How would you manage an abdominal aneurysm?
For asymptomatic patients, elective repair of the aneurysm is the most effective management to prevent rupture. However, elective aortic surgery is also associated with risks, and thus, elective AAA repair is not recommended until the risk of rupture exceeds the risks associated with repair.
What do you do if someone has an aortic aneurysm?
The two main treatments for aortic aneurysms are medicines and surgery. Medicines can lower blood pressure and reduce risk for an aortic aneurysm. Surgery can repair or replace the affected section of the aorta.
What is the most serious complication of an aortic aneurysm?
A serious complication of an AAA is an aortic dissection. This is a tear in the aortic lining. It can occur anywhere along the aorta. Aortic dissection can be a life-threatening emergency.
How do you treat a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm?
Treatment for a burst AAA A burst aneurysm is treated with emergency surgery using the same techniques used for a large aneurysm. The decision about whether to perform open or endovascular surgery is made by the surgeon carrying out the operation.
What should you assess before an abdominal aneurysm repair?
Determine if there is tenderness on palpation (do not palpate too deep as there is a risk of rupture). Ask if the patient has abdominal or lower back pain. Check blood pressure to determine if a rupture has occurred. Check distal leg pulses to ensure tissue perfusion.
What happens when abdominal aortic aneurysm ruptures?
A ruptured aneurysm can cause massive internal bleeding, which is usually fatal. Around 8 out of 10 people with a rupture either die before they reach hospital or don’t survive surgery. The most common symptom of a ruptured aortic aneurysm is sudden and severe pain in the abdomen.